B&Q - Manual Handling Training
Overview
B&Q is the largest home improvement and garden centre retailer in the UK and Europe and the third largest in the world. They have nine stores throughout the republic of Ireland and as part of a Health & Safety initiative in relation to manual handling have put together a Manual Handling Management programme.
The requirements
Guidelines from the Health & Safety Authority recommend that the most effective way of managing manual handling in the workplace is to develop a Manual Handling programme that includes training based on a risk assessment relating to manual handling activities.
The results
This was a two pronged approach, firstly training all members of staff in correct manual handling procedures and secondly training trainers as manual handling instructors.
The manual handling training programme has been designed to meet the specific needs of B&Q staff members and includes a section that ensures that all participants are able to apply correct manual handling principles to their work area.
As part of the first phase of this programme OHSS are carrying out this training country wide and are working closely with B&Q on the implementation of the second phase.